While snowpack levels in the watershed that collects Seattle’s drinking water is below normal at the start of 2015, snowpack levels in the watersheds that feed Seattle City Light’s hydroelectric dams are near normal. Even so, it’s early in the season and a lot can change before the end of winter.

A truck crashed into a utility pole about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Denny Way and Yale Avenue, toppling the pole, along with power lines and three transformers, to the ground, and knocking out power for about 3,600 homes and businesses in Capitol Hill, First Hill and South Lake Union.

With weather experts predicting another colder, wetter, La Nina winter, Mayor Mike McGinn encouraged people today to prepare for weather-related emergencies, outlined how residents can help the City respond to power outages and updated the public on how Seattle City Light is preparing for winter storms.